After evacuation of an epidural hematoma, a patient's intracranial pressure (ICP) is being moni-tored with an intraventricular catheter. Which information obtained by the nurse is most im-portant to communicate to the health care provider?
a. Pulse 102 beats/min
b. Temperature 101.6° F
c. Intracranial pressure 15 mm Hg
d. Mean arterial pressure 90 mm Hg
ANS: B
Infection is a serious consideration with ICP monitoring, especially with intraventricular cathe-ters. The temperature indicates the need for antibiotics or removal of the monitor. The ICP, arte-rial pressure, and apical pulse are all borderline high but require only ongoing monitoring at this time.
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